July 2023 - Shoplifters
This Monday, July 17th is our July Cinema Club. We will be screening the 2018 Japanese "family" drama Shoplifters, written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. I put the word family in quotations because Shoplifters is very much a movie about the idea of family, exploring themes around families we choose. This will certainly make for some interesting discussion so we hope you will join us!

Cinema Club meets in the Aspen Drive Library Meeting Room in Vernon Hills. No registration is required. Add it to your calendar so you don't forget!

Here's a few articles to skim beforehand...
A review by Manuela Lazic for The Ringer written during the film's theatrical run making the case that Shoplifters was one of 2018's best films.
"... this slowly engrossing film hides an uncompromising defense of chosen bonds over inherited ones, open-hearted generosity, and life outside the stifling rules of capitalism.
New York Times interview with the director of Shoplifters that weaves in a summary of his life, career, and a vision that is often at odds with Japan's leadership. The article also addresses criticisms that the film was partially funded by the government, but is critical of the state.

Note: If you hit a paywall, the library provides free access to NYTimes for cardholders.

“Some people want to see characters who grow and become stronger over the course of a film. But I don’t want to make such a movie. It's such a lie. And I don't want to tell a lie.”
Next Movie: Ex Machina
August 21, 2023
Aspen Drive Library Meeting Room
6:30pm - Film screening followed by discussion.

2014 | Rated R | 1h 48min
A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.

With Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleason, Oscar Isaac.

DROP IN. No registration required.